Did you know Nutmeg is an aphrodisiac?
With so many of us looking for alternative methods to lift our spirits, it is worth taking a look at spices and what they have done for us over the centuries. What we eat affects our mood more than we have been led to believe.
I recently went to the docs to complain about a constant headache I had been suffering with. After having a number of tests I was offered a low-dose antidepressant. My reaction was to dismiss the offer in favor of looking for something else to treat the cause rather than mask the symptom. Was I suffering from stress? I quizzed myself, I am usually happy and jolly. Perhaps two years of lockdown and Covid plus watching too much Sky News had been playing havoc with my mood. Looking at foods to lift my mood, I came across nutmeg.
One of the best-known mood enhancers for women is nutmeg, also nicknamed ‘women’s viagra’.
Well, this bit of knowledge made me smile. I had forgotten about the state of my sex drive as that activity has been nonexistent much to my dismay. Perhaps my dormant sex life is responsible for my headache. The doctor never said anything about that.
And back to why women have used nutmeg throughout history as an aphrodisiac. Perhaps it does not come with all the side effects that some of our modern-day drugs have which warn us on the side of the packets. I’m stressed reading them all.
Ayurveda and Nutmeg
Nutmeg is a popular spice used in many Ayurvedic remedies. It is believed to act as a stimulant to the body, helping to improve digestion, reduce inflammation, and provide relief from pain. It is also believed to help with anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Nutmeg is usually added to warm milk and consumed before bedtime. Research proves that nutmeg has the same effect on mating behavior as Viagra. Sprinkle some in your cocoa for a naughty night!
The feel-good hormone, serotonin, and nutmeg
Further research, and reading about the happy hormone ‘Serotonin’ shows how antidepressants work (SSRIs treat depression by increasing levels of serotonin in the brain.) Yet the side effects do state the patient can suffer a lower sex drive. Confused, I am. Sex is always a great mood enhancer.
Nutmeg is a spice derived from the seeds of a type of tree native to Indonesia. It has been used as a folk remedy for a variety of ailments, but research has found that it may also have the potential for increasing serotonin levels. A recent study found that nutmeg extract was able to increase serotonin levels in mice, suggesting that it may have similar effects in humans. However, more research is needed to confirm this link. While it’s important to note that nutmeg should not be used to replace other treatments for serotonin-related disorders, it may be worth exploring further as a potential supplement to support serotonin levels.
Nutmeg is native to the Indonesian islands of Banda and is one of the most popular spices in the world. It has a warm, sweet taste and is used to flavor a wide variety of dishes. It’s often used in baked goods like cakes and cookies but can also be used to season savory dishes like sauces, stews, and soups. Try adding a pinch of nutmeg to your favorite dish for a unique, flavorful twist! I add it to apple crumble and also to my chai. Just be sure not to add too much, as nutmeg can easily overpower the other flavors. Enjoy!
Love to hear about your recipes containing nutmeg. Please share them. Food and your mood interest me. There are so many people feeling down and suffering from modern-day lifestyles, perhaps we need to pay attention to history and not forget some of the old remedies and folklore. Why not?
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